Portable apparatus for applying a pulling force to structures

ABSTRACT

A portable apparatus for applying a pulling force to structures includes a base member having a standard mounted thereon and upstanding therefrom with the standard being connected to an anchor spaced from the base member. An extensible member has one end thereof pivotally connected to a fixed point relative to the base member and the other end pivotally connected to a lower portion of a leverage arm having an intermediate portion thereof pivotally mounted on the standard and a guide member is rotatably mounted on an upper portion of the leverage arm. A flexible member has one end secured to a selected portion of the structure to receive the pulling force and the other end fixedly connected relative to the standard with an intermediate portion of the flexible member engaging the guide member whereby extension of the extensible member moves the leverage arm and the guide member mounted thereon to effect a pulling force in the flexible member thereby applying a pulling force to the structure.

United States Patent [72] Inventor Leonard Eck v McPherson, Kans. [21]Appl. No. 3,429 [22] Filed Jan. 16, 1970 [45] Patented Oct. 12, 1971 [73] Assignee Kansas Jack Inc.

McPherson, Kans.

[54] PORTABLE APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A PULLING FORCE TO STRUCTURES 11Claims, 7 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 254/1, 72/293, 72/705 [51] Int. Cl B661 3/24, B2ld 41/02[50] Field of Search 72/305, 293, 705; 254/1, 124, 127

[5 6] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,442,604 6/1948 Johnsoneta1. 72/705 2,979,102 4/1961 Ferguson et al. 72/705 3,338,083 8/1967 Eck721395 3,340,720 9/1967 Chartier ABSTRACT: A portable apparatus forapplying a pulling force to structures includes a base member having astandard mounted thereon and upstanding therefrom with the standardbeing connected to an anchor spaced from the base member. An extensiblemember has one end thereof pivotally connected to a fixed point relativeto the base member and the other end pivotally connected to a lowerportion of a leverage arm having an intermediate portion thereofpivotally mounted on the standard and a guide member is rotatablymounted on an upper portion of the leverage arm. A flexible member hasone end secured to a selected portion of the structure to receive thepulling force and the other end fixedly connected relative to thestandard with an intermediate portion of the flexible member engagingthe guide member whereby extension of the extensible member moves theleverage arm and the guide member mounted thereon to effect a pullingforce in the flexible member thereby applying a pulling force to thestructure.

PATENTEU mm 1 zmn 3 81 4 2 sum 1 UF 2 INVENTOR.

Leonard Eck f ATTORNEYS PATENTED 0m 1 2 1971 SHEET 2 UF 2 ATTORNEYSPORTABLE APPARATUS IFOR APPLYWG A PULLING FORCE T STRUCTURES The presentinvention relates to an apparatus for applying a pulling force tostructures and more particularly to such an apparatus for reshapingdamaged portions of automobile frames, panels, and the like.

The principal objects of the present invention are: to provide anapparatus form applying a pulling force to structures wherein theapparatus can be moved to a position adjacent the structure and anchoredin position and a flexible member is connected to the structure with theapparatus applying a pulling pulling force to the flexible member; toprovide such an apparatus for applying a pullihg force having a planarbase member supported on a floor surface and a standard mounted on andextending upwardly from the base member wherein the flexible memberengages a guide member which is moved in response to extension of anextensible member thereby effecting a pulling force in the flexiblemember and proper directional application of the pulling force to thestructure; to provide such an apparatus for applying a pulling forcewherein the flexible member is a link chain and the apparatus hasmembers engageable with the chain to apply a undirectional holding forceto prevent retractive movement thereof and to allow change of connectionof the chain to the apparatus while applying force to the structure; toprovide such an apparatus for applying a pulling force wherein the chainmay be connected to selected portions of the apparatus to vary themagnitude and speed of application of the pulling force; and to providesuch an apparatus for applying a pulling force which is simple tooperate, durable in construction, highly maneuverable, occupies aminimum of floor space when not in use, economical to manufacture, andparticularly well adapted for straightening automobile bodies, frames,panels and the like.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent fromthe following description taken in connection with accompanying drawingswherein are set forth by way of illustration and examples certainembodiments of this invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for applying a pullingforce to a structure and illustrating embodiments of the presentinvention, with the structure to receive the pulling force shown inbroken lines.

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the pulling force applyingapparatus with portions broken away to better illustrate the componentparts.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of a guide memberrotatably mounted on a movable leverage arm and a second guide memberand a load holding device for preventing retractive movement of aflexible member connected to a structure to receive the pulling forceand connected to a detent on the leverage arm.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 4-4, FIG.3, showing the leverage arm and the guide member rotatably mountedthereon.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 5-5, FIG.3, showing the second guide member and the anchor.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken on line 6-6, FIG.3, showing the load holding device.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the flexiblemember connected to a detent mounted on the standard.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

The reference numeral 1 generally designates a portable tool ormechanism for use in applying a pulling force to structures, such as forstraightening damaged vehicle bodies, frames, panels, and the like. Theportable tool 1 includes a planar base member 2 having a standard 3mounted on and extending upwardly from the base member 2 with anchormeans 4 connected to the standard 3 and a suitable tiedown member 5 in asupport surface for holding the tool or mechanism 1 against movementtoward the structure to receive the pulling force when said pullingforce is effected in a flexible member 6 having one end connected orsecured to a selected portion of the structure to receive the pullingforce and the other end secured to a portion of the tool or mechanism 1.

An extensible member 7 has one end thereof pivotally connected to afixed point relative to the base member 2 and the other end thereofpivotally connected to a bellcrank or leverage arm 8 which is pivotallymounted on the standard 3 at a point spaced from the respective end ofthe extensible member 7. A guide member 9 is mounted on the leverage arm8 and is engaged by the flexible member 6 in which a pulling force iseffected in response to extension of the extensible member 7 andmovement of the leverage arm 8.

A load holding device 10 is mounted on the standard 3 and engageablewith the flexible member 6 to hold same against retractive movement uponcontraction of the extensible member 7 and the load holding device 10 isoperative to permit the flexible member 6 to move in one direction andlimit movement thereof in the opposite direction, as later described.

In the illustrated structure, the base member 2 is an elongate planarmember adapted to engage a support surface 11, such as a floor, forsupport thereon; The standard 3 is illustrated as being formed of a pairof laterally spaced parallel posts 12 and 13 longitudinally centered onthe base member 2. Each of the posts 12 and 13 have diverging legportions 14 and 15 extending from lower ends thereof with the lower endsof the diverging leg portions 14 and 15 being secured in spacedapartrelation to the base member 2 to form an open triangular lower portionfor each of the posts 12 and 13.

A plurality of transversely aligned apertures 16 are spacedlongitudinally of the posts 12 and 13 with each of the transverselyaligned apertures 16 being adapted to receive a bearing shaft or pin 17extending therethrough for rotatably mounting a guide member 18, aslater described. The bearing shaft or pin 17 and the guide member 18 maybe selectively positioned at suitable elevations on the posts 12 and 13for guiding the flexible member 6 downwardly into engagement with theguide member 9 on the leverage arm 8 and particularly adapted forproviding different angles or directions in the application of thepulling force to the structure.

The leverage arm 8 is illustrated as being formed of a pair of laterallyspaced planar side members 19 and 28 having suitable spacer meanstherebetween, such as plate 21. The leverage arm 8 is positioned in thespace between the posts 12 and 13 and it is desirable to mount suitablepads or shim material 22 and 23 on the exterior surfaces of the sidemembers 19 and 20 respectively to space same inwardly from the posts 12and 13 to thereby permit the leverage arm 8 to move freely therebetween.

The leverage arm 8 has a pair of transversely aligned apertures (notshown) in an intermediate portion thereof to receive a bearing shaft orpin 25 for pivotally mounting the leverage arm 8 between the posts 12and 13. A lower end of the leverage arm 8 has a pair of transverselyaligned apertures (not shown) to receive a suitable connecting device 27mounted on the other end of the extensible member 7 for pivotallyconnecting sarne thereto. The other or upper end of the leverage arm 8has a pair of tranversely aligned apertures (not shown) to rotatablyreceive a bearing shaft or pin 29 having the guide member 9 mountedthereon.

A line extending between and normal to the axis of the shaft or pin 25and the mounting of the connecting device 27 is substantially normal toa line extending between and normal to the axis of the shaft or pin 25and the axis of the shaft or pin 29, and in the illustrated structurethe guide member 9 is rotatably mounted on an upper portion of theleverage arm 8 and the extensible member 7 lowers the guide member 9 anda portion of the flexible member 6 in engagement therewith.

The flexible member 6 is illustrated as a chain having interconnectedlinks with adjacent links being in normal relation, and the leverage arm8 has holding or detent means to be engaged by the chain for holding theengaged portion against movement during extension of the extensiblemember 7. The holding or detent means is illustrated as a detent or dog30 having a slot 31 in one end thereof sized to receive one link of thechain 6 and one surface of the detent or dog 30 is shaped to formshoulders to be engaged by the next adjacent link which is transverse ornormal to the link within the slot 31. The surface of the detent or dog30 adjacent the slot 31 has an end portion 32 sloping toward one end ofthe detent or dog 30 and another face of the detent or dog 30 is adaptedto be engaged by the next link toward the free end of the chain 6 tohold same when the guide member 9 is moved downwardly by the extensiblemember 7.

Holding or detent means are mounted on the standard 3 to be engaged bythe chain 6 for holding the engaged portion thereof against movementduring extension of the extensible member 6. The holding or detent meansis illustrated as a planar detent member 34 suitably secured between theposts 12 and 13 at a point above the leverage arm 8 and preferably abovethe diverging leg portions 14 and 15 to reinforce the standard 3 andspace apart the posts 12 and 13 thereof. One end of the detent member 34has an enlarged slot 35 sized to permit movement of the chain 6therethrough. The other end of the detent member 34 has a narrow slot 36therein which is similar to the slot 31 in the detent or dog 30 mountedon the leverage arm 8.

A lower surface of the detent member 34 adjacent the narrow slot 36 hasan end portion 37 sloping upwardly and having notches therein positionedadjacent and extending normal or transverse to the narrow slot 36wherein the slot 36 is adapted to receive one link of the chain 6 andthe notches in the upwardly sloping surface of the end portion 37 areadapted to receive the next lower link and an upper surface 40 of thedetent member 34 is adapted to be engaged by the next higher link toresist downward movement of the flexible chain 6 thereby holding an endportion of the flexible chain 6 against downward movement therebyeffecting a pulling force therein when the guide member 9 is moveddownwardly by extension of the extensible member 7.

Retractive movement of the chain 6 during contraction of the extensiblemember 7 is prevented by the load holding device 10 which comprises thedetent member 34, a slidable detent or dog 41, and an upper guide plate42 wherein the slidable detent 41 moves between the detent member 34 andthe upper guide plate 42. In the illustrated structure, the detentmember 34 is sloped downwardly to position the end having the enlargedslot 35 below the end having the narrow slot 36 therein whereby theslidable detent 41 is moved into engagement with the chain 6 by gravityand the slidable detent 41 is moved upwardly along the upper surface 40of the detent member 34 in response to downward movement of the chain 6between the guide members 9 and 18.

In the illustrated structure, the slidable detent 41 has a narrow slot43 in a lower end thereof and the upper surface of the slidable detent41 has an end portion 44 sloping downwardly and the end portion 44 ispositioned adjacent the narrow slot 43 whereby the links of the chain 6which are positioned transversely to the narrow slot 43 engage thesurface of the end portion 44 when moving downwardly thereby urging theslidable detent 41 upwardly and out of engagement with the transverselinks to permit same to move through the enlarged slot 35 of the slopingdetent member 34.

Contoured notches 45 and 46 are formed at the intersection of the uppersurface and the end portion 44 and the notches 45 and 46 are similar tothe notches in the detent or dog 30 and are shaped to receive the linksof the chain 6 which extend transversely to the narrow slot 43 wherebythe downward movement of the respective transverse links urge theslidable detent 41 upwardly along the sloped detent member 34.

When the downward movement of the guide member 9 is completed, one linkwill be positioned within the narrow slot 43 in the slidable detent 41and the next adjacent lower link will be transversely positionedrelative to the narrow slot 43 and will engage a lower face 47 of theslidable detent 41 if the chain should be moving upwardly whereby theengagement will stop the movement of the chain 6 and prevent furtherretractive movement.

The upper end of the slidable detent 41 has an enlarged slot 48 topermit that portion of the chain above the sloped detent member 34 toextend through the slidable detent 41. When it is desired to permitretractive movement of the flexible chain 6 it is necessary to disengagethe lower surface 47 from the respective transverse link, therefore, ahandle 49 is mounted on the upper end of the slidable detent 41 wherebythe handle 49 may be grasped to pull the lower end of the slidabledetent 41 out of engagement with the respective link of the chain 6.

The guide members 9 and 18 are illustrated as sprockets particularlyadapted to firmly engage the links of the chain 6 to substantiallyprevent slippage thereof during the effecting of the pulling force inthe chain 6. 1n the illustrated structure, each of the sprockets has apair of laterally spaced planar side members 50 and 51 each having aplurality of circumferentially spaced projections 52 extending from theperiphery thereof. That portion of the periphery between adjacentprojections 52 defines link supporting surfaces 53 whereby every otherlink engages one of the link supporting surfaces 53 with the linkstherebetween being positioned between the side members 50 and 51.

The projections 52 on the side members 50 and 51 are arranged in alignedpairs and a center member 54 is positioned between the side members 50and 51 and the center member 54 has a thickness sufficient to provideclearance for the links positioned between the side members 50 and 51.The center member 54 has a recess in the peripheral edge thereof foreach pair of aligned projections 52 with each recess defining a linksupporting surface 56.

In the illustrated structure, the anchor means 4 is connected to thetiedown member 5 and to the standard 3 at a point alignable with thebearing shaft or pin 17 having the guide member 18 mounted thereon. Theanchor means 4 is illustrated as a suitable flexible member, such as achain having interconnected links with adjacent links being in normalrelation wherein the anchor chain 4 has an upper end thereof inengagement with an anchor detent 57 which is fixedly mounted between apair of arms 58 and 59 pivotally mounted on the bearing shaft or pin 17having the guide member 18 mounted thereon.

A lower surface of the anchor detent 57 has an end portion 60 extendingupwardly toward an upper surface 61 thereof. A slot 62 is positioned inthe anchor detent 57 at the inner end thereof or the end adjacent thestandard 3 to receive a link of the anchor chain 4 wherein the nextupper link engages the upper surface 61.

The leverage arm 8 is moved up and down in response to operation ofsuitable power means in the form of the extensible member 7 which isillustrated as a hydraulic ram 63 having a cylinder 64 with a piston rod65 extending therefrom with one end of the ram 63 pivotally connected tothe connecting device 27 on the lower end of the leverage arm 8 and theother end pivotally connected between the posts 12 and 13.

In the illustrated structure, the other end of the ram 63 is mounted ona shaft 66 extending between adjacent diverging leg portions of theposts 12 and 13. it is preferred that the ram 63 have a suitableconnection 67 with a pump and a valve structure (not shown) whereby theram 63 may be extended and contracted under power as desired.

Roller or wheel means are mounted on the base member 2 and normallypositioned above same for movably supporting the base member 2 and thestandard 3 when the base and standard are moved or tilted to engage theroller or wheel means with the support surface 11. In the illustratedstructure, a pair of laterally spaced wheels 69 and 70 are rotatablymounted on arms 71 and 72 respectively extending upwardly and outwardlyfrom one end of the base member 2 to position the wheels 69 and 70beyond the end of the base member 2 whereby only a slight tilting of thestandard 3 is necessary to engage the wheels 69 and 70 with the supportsurface 11 and raise the end of the base member 2 out of engagement withthe support surface 11.

In using the pulling force applying tool or mechanism 1, constructed asillustrated and described, the standard 3 is tilted toward the wheels 69and 70 and the tool or mechanism 1 is moved to a position adjacent astructure to receive a pulling force and preferably the tool 1 ispositioned between the tiedown member 5 and the structure. A chain ispositioned with a link in the slot 62 of the anchor detent 57 and thenext upper link engaging the upper surface 61 thereof and the lower endof the chain is suitably secured to the tiedown 5 mounted in the supportsurface 11. The flexible member or chain 6 has one end suitably securedor connected to the structure to receive the pulling force, such as forstraightening damaged vehicle frames, bodies, panels, and the like, asshown in broken lines FIG. 1, and the chain 6 is extended over the guidemember 18 and downwardly to and under the guide member 9 on the leveragearm 8. One of the links adjacent the free end of the chain 6 isconnected to the detent or clog 30 on the leverage arm 8. The ram 63 isoperated to pivot the leverage arm 8 about the bearing shaft or pinthereby lowering the guide member 9 to effect the pulling force in theflexible member 6 thereby applying a pulling force to the structurehaving the chain 6 connected thereto. During this pulling movement, theengagement of the chain with the surface of the end portion 44 of theslidable detent 41 will effect retractive movement of slidable detent 41whereby the chain can be pulled through the enlarged slot 35 of thedetent member 34. When the downward swinging stroke of the guide member9 is completed, the application of pressure to the cylinder 64 of theram 63 is reversed to contract same effecting upward swinging movementof the leverage arm 8. The slidable detent 41 is thereby allowed toslide down the detent member 34 as a retractive movement of the chain 6is started and the next transverse link below the slidable detent 41will engage the lower surface 47 thereof and prevent further retractivemovement of the chain 6. After the upward movement of the leverage arm 8has been completed, the chain is again connected to the detent memberfor further downward pull on the chain and additional pull on thestructure to receive the pulling force. This action can be repeateduntil sufficient movement has been imparted to the structure to receivethe pulling force.

The moment arm of the ram 63 in swinging the leverage arm 8 issubstantially equal to the moment arm effecting the pulling force in thechain 6 as evidenced by the spacing between the bearing shaft or pin 25and the connecting device 27 being substantially equal to the spacingbetween the hear ing shaft or pin 25 and the bearing shaft or pin 29having the guide member 9 mounted thereon whereby the pulling force inthe chain 6 is substantially equal to the magnitude of the force exertedby the ram 63 on the leverage arm 8 when the chain 6 is connected to thedetent member 30 on the arm 8. The speed of the movement of the chain 6between the guide member 9 and 18 and therefore the speed of theapplication of the pulling force in response to extension of the ram 63is also substantially equal to the speed of the downward swinging strokeof the guide member 9 when the chain 6 is connected to the detent member36 on the arm 8.

When it is desired to increase the speed of application of the pullingforce, the chin 6 is connected to the detent member 34 at the narrowslot 36 therein. The speed of the movement of the chain 6 between theguide members 9 and 18 and therefore the speed of the application of thepulling force in response to extension of the ram 63 will then besubstantially twice the speed of the downward swinging stroke of theguide member 9 and the magnitude of the pulling force will besubstantially one-half of the magnitude of the force exerted by the ram63 on the leverage arm 8 when the chain 6 is connected to the detentmember 34 mounted on the standard 3. it is noted that the guide member 9will rotate when the chain 6 is connected to the detent member 34mounted on the standard 3 and that the guide member 9 will not have anyor only a minimum of appreciable rotation when the chain 6 is connectedto the detent member 30 mounted on the leverage arm 8.

The speed of application of the pulling force and magnitude of thepulling force may be changed during operation of the pulling forceapplying tool or mechanism by stopping and reversing the ram 63 topermit a retractive movement of the chain 6 to effect the engagementthereof with the lower surface of the slidable detent 41, as previouslydescribed, to hold the load or pulling force in the chain 6. After theupward movement of the chain 6 has stopped, the chain may bedisconnected from the detent 30 and connected to the detent 3 1 or viceversa. This action can be repeated as often as desired and the speed ofthe application of the pulling force can also be changed by changing thespeed of the extension of the ram 63 when the chain 6 is connected tothe detent 30 or 36.

In some instances, it is desirable to have the force applied in a moreupwardly direction and in such event, the guide member 18 may berotatably mounted at the desired position by mounting the bearing shaftor pin 17 in a selected pair of the aligned apertures 16 in the posts 12and 13. The chain 6 is connected to the portion of the structure toreceive the upward pulling force and extended over the guide member 18and then downwardly and below the guide member 9 on the leverage arm 8and selectively connected to the detent 30 or 34. The same action of theram 63 is applied to effect a pulling force on the chain 6. Obviouslythe angle of application of the pulling force can be widely varied byvarying the position of the guide member 18 from a lower position on theposts 12 and 13 to the uppermost position thereon.

it is understood that while I have illustrated and described one form ofmy invention, it is not to be limited to the specific fonn orarrangement of parts herein described and shown.

What 1 claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An apparatus for applying a pulling force to structures comprising:

a. a base adapted to engage a surface for support thereon;

b. a standard mounted on said base and upstanding therefrom;

c. an extensible member having one end thereof pivotally connected to afixed point relative to said base; a flexible member adapted to beconnected to a structure to receive a pulling force; e. means actuatedby said extensible member and having a portion engaging said flexiblemember to apply a pulling force thereto in response to extension of saidextensible member; means mounted on said standard above said pullingforce applying means for guiding said flexible member into engagementtherewith;

g. means mounted on said standard and engageable with said flexiblemember to hold same against retractive movement upon contraction of saidextensible member and to permit said flexible member to move in onedirection and limit movement in the opposite direction;

h. a fixedly mounted anchor spaced from said base; and

i. means adapted to be connected to said anchor and to said standard ata point alignable with said flexible member guiding means for holdingsaid standard against movement toward the structure to receive thepulling force when said extensible member is extended to effect saidpulling force.

2. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 1wherein said means for applying a pulling force to said flexible memberin response to extension of said extensible member includes:

a. a leverage arm having an intermediate portion pivotally mounted onsaid standard, one end of said leverage arm having the other end of saidextensible member pivotally connected thereto;

b. a guide member rotatably mounted on the other end of said leveragearm, said guide member being positioned below said flexible membertherefrom; and

c. means on said leverage arm for engaging a portion of said flexiblemember and holding said engaged portion against movement duringextension of said extensible member, said flexible member holding meansbeing spaced from said guide member.

3. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 2wherein:

a. said flexible member is a chain having interconnected links withadjacent links being in normal relation;

b. said flexible member guiding means mounted on said standard and saidguide member mounted on said leverage arm are sprockets; and

c. each of said sprockets has a pair of laterally spaced planar memberseach having a plurality of circumferentially spaced projectionsextending from the periphery thereof, said projections defining linksupporting surfaces between adjacent projections.

4. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 3wherein:

a. said projections on said spaced planar members are arranged inaligned pairs;

b. each of said sprockets has a planar center member between said spacedplanar members; and

c. said center member has a recess in the peripheral edge thereof foreach pair of aligned projections, said recesses each defining a linksupporting surface.

5. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 1wherein:

a. said base is an elongate planar member;

b. said standard is formed of a pair of laterally spaced parallelframes;

c. each of said frames has a side member mounted adjacent each end ofsaid base and extending upwardly therefrom and converging at anintersection above the longitudinal center of said base; and

d. each of said frames has a post extending upwardly from theintersection of said side members.

6. The apparatus for applying pulling force as set forth in claim 2wherein:

a. a line extending between the pivotal mounting of said leverage armand the pivotal mounting of the other end of said extensible member issubstantially normal to a line extending between the pivotal mounting ofsaid leverage arm and said guide member; and

b. said guide member is rotatably mounted on an upper portion of saidleverage arm and said other end of said extensible member is pivotallyconnected to a lower portion of said leverage arm whereby extension ofsaid extensible member lowers said guide member and the portion of saidflexible member in engagement therewith.

7. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 1wherein said means for applying a pulling force to said flexible memberin response to extension of said extensible member includes:

a. a movable member mounted on said standard and having the extensiblemember connected thereto to effect movement thereof;

b. means on said moveable member and on said standard to be selectivelyengaged by a portion of said flexible member for holding said engagedportion against movement during extension of said extensible memberwhereby each holding means for said flexible member effects a differentmagnitude of the pulling force for equal extension of said extensiblemember.

8. A portable apparatus for applying a pulling force to structurescomprising:

a. an elongate planar base member adapted to engage a surface forsupport thereon;

b. a standard mounted on said base and upstanding therefrom;

c. roller means mounted on said base and normally positioned above samefor movably supporting said base and standard when said base andstandard are moved to engage said roller means with the support surface;

d. an extensible member having one end thereof pivotally connected to afixed int relative to said base; e. a flexible member a apted to beconnected to a structure to receive a pulling force;

- f. means actuated by said extensible member and having a portionengaging said flexible member to apply a pulling force thereto inresponse to extension of said extensible member;

g. means mounted on said standard above said pulling force applyingmeans for guiding said flexible member into engagement therewith;

h. means mounted on said standard and engageable with said flexiblemember to hold same against retractive movement upon contraction of saidextensible member and to permit said flexible member to move in onedirection and limit movement in the opposite direction;

i. and anchor fixedly mounted in the support surface; and

j. a second flexible member adapted to be connected to said anchor andto said standard at a point alignable with said guiding means for saidfirst named flexible member to hold said standard against movementtoward the structure to receive the pulling force when said extensiblemember is extended to effect said pulling force.

9. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 8including:

a. means on said standard positioned between said guiding means for saidfirst named flexible member and said pulling force applying means forengaging a portion of said first named flexible member and holding saidengaged portion thereof against movement during extension of saidextensible member; and

b. means associated with said means for applying a pulling force to saidfirst named flexible member for engaging a portion of said first namedflexible member and holding said engaged portion thereof againstmovement during extension of said extensible member whereby each holdingmeans for said first named flexible member effects a different magnitudeof the pulling force.

10. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 9wherein:

a. said first named flexible member is a chain having interconnectedlinks with adjacent links thereof being in normal relation; and

b. said means to hold said flexible member against retractive movementis a dog guidably mounted on said standard for movement into and out ofengagement with the links of said chain, said dog is movable down aninclined surface to be engaged by said chain and said dog is movedupwardly along said inclined surface in response to downward movement ofsaid chain.

11. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 10wherein:

a. said standard is fonned of a pair of laterally spaced parallel frameslongitudinally centered on said base;

b. each of said frames has a side member mounted adjacent each end ofsaid base and extending upwardly therefrom and converging at anintersection above the longitudinal center of said base to form atriangular lower portion;

c. each of said frames has a post extending upwardly from theintersection of said side members;

d. said means for applying a pulling force to said first named flexiblemember is a leverage arm having an intermediate portion pivotallymounted between said frames, one end of said leverage arm having theother end of said extensible member pivotally connected thereto, theother end of said leverage arm having a guide member rotatably mountedthereon, said guide member being positioned below said means for guidingsaid first named flexible member to receive said first named flexiblemember therefrom, said leverage arm being between said frames; and

e. said one end of said extensible member is positioned between saidframes.

Notice of Adverse Decision in Interference In Interference No. 98,275involving Patent No. 3,612,482, L. Eek, PORT- ABLE APPARATUS FORAPPLYING A PULLING FORCE TO STRUCTURES, final judgment adverse to thepatentee was rendered Mar. 28, 1974, as to claims 1, 5 and 8.

[Ofiicial Gazette July 2, 1974.]

1. An apparatus for applying a pulling force to structures comprising:a. a base adapted to engage a surface for support thereon; b. a standardmounted on said base and upstanding therefrom; c. an extensible memberhaving one end thereof pivotally connected to a fixed point relative tosaid base; d. a flexible member adapted to be connected to a structureto receive a pulling force; e. means actuated by said extensible memberand having a portion engaging said flexible member to apply a pullingforce thereto in response to extension of said extensible member; f.means mounted on said standard above said pulling force applying meansfor guiding said flexible member into engagement therewith; g. meansmounted on said standard and engageable with said flexible member tohold same against retractive movement upon contraction of saidextensible member and to permit said flexible member to move in onedirection and limit movement in the opposite direction; h. a fixedlymounted anchor spaced from said base; and i. means adapted to beconnected to said anchor and to said standard at a point alignable withsaid flexible member guiding means for holding said standard againstmovement toward the structure to receive the pulling force when saidextensible member is extended to effect said pulling force.
 2. Theapparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 1 whereinsaid means for applying a pulling force to said flexible member inresponse to extension of said extensible member includes: a. a leveragearm having an intermediate portion pivotally mounted on said standard,one end of said leverage arm having the other end of said extensiblemember pivotally connected thereto; b. a guide member rotatably mountedon the other end of said leverage arm, said guide member beingpositioned below said flexible member therefrom; and c. means on saidleverage arm for engaging a portion of said flexible member and holdingsaid engaged portion against movement during extension of saidextensible member, said flexible member holding means being spaced fromsaid guide member.
 3. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as setforth in claim 2 wherein: a. said flexible member is a chain havinginterconnected links with adjacent links being in normal relation; b.said flexible member guiding means mounted on said standard and saidguide member mounted on said leverage arm are sprockets; and c. each ofsaid sprockets has a pair of laterally spaced planar members each havinga plurality of circumferentially spaced projections extending from theperiphery thereof, said projections defining link supporting surfacesbetween adjacent projections.
 4. The apparatus for applying a pullingforce as set forth in claim 3 wherein: a. said projections on saidspaced planar members are arranged in aligned pairs; b. each of saidsprockets has a planar center member between said spaced planar members;and c. said center member has a recess in the peripheral edge thereoffor each pair of aligned projections, said recesses each defining a linksupporting surface.
 5. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as setforth in claim 1 wherein: a. said base is an elongate planar member; b.said standard is formed of a pair of laterally spaced parallel frames;c. each of said frames has a side member mounted adjacent each end ofsaid base and extending upwardly therefrom and converging at anintersection above the longitudinal center of said base; and d. each ofsaid frames has a post extending upwardly from the intersection of saidside members.
 6. The apparatus for applying pulling force as set foRthin claim 2 wherein: a. a line extending between the pivotal mounting ofsaid leverage arm and the pivotal mounting of the other end of saidextensible member is substantially normal to a line extending betweenthe pivotal mounting of said leverage arm and said guide member; and b.said guide member is rotatably mounted on an upper portion of saidleverage arm and said other end of said extensible member is pivotallyconnected to a lower portion of said leverage arm whereby extension ofsaid extensible member lowers said guide member and the portion of saidflexible member in engagement therewith.
 7. The apparatus for applying apulling force as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for applying apulling force to said flexible member in response to extension of saidextensible member includes: a. a movable member mounted on said standardand having the extensible member connected thereto to effect movementthereof; b. means on said moveable member and on said standard to beselectively engaged by a portion of said flexible member for holdingsaid engaged portion against movement during extension of saidextensible member whereby each holding means for said flexible membereffects a different magnitude of the pulling force for equal extensionof said extensible member.
 8. A portable apparatus for applying apulling force to structures comprising: a. an elongate planar basemember adapted to engage a surface for support thereon; b. a standardmounted on said base and upstanding therefrom; c. roller means mountedon said base and normally positioned above same for movably supportingsaid base and standard when said base and standard are moved to engagesaid roller means with the support surface; d. an extensible memberhaving one end thereof pivotally connected to a fixed point relative tosaid base; e. a flexible member adapted to be connected to a structureto receive a pulling force; f. means actuated by said extensible memberand having a portion engaging said flexible member to apply a pullingforce thereto in response to extension of said extensible member; g.means mounted on said standard above said pulling force applying meansfor guiding said flexible member into engagement therewith; h. meansmounted on said standard and engageable with said flexible member tohold same against retractive movement upon contraction of saidextensible member and to permit said flexible member to move in onedirection and limit movement in the opposite direction; i. and anchorfixedly mounted in the support surface; and j. a second flexible memberadapted to be connected to said anchor and to said standard at a pointalignable with said guiding means for said first named flexible memberto hold said standard against movement toward the structure to receivethe pulling force when said extensible member is extended to effect saidpulling force.
 9. The apparatus for applying a pulling force as setforth in claim 8 including: a. means on said standard positioned betweensaid guiding means for said first named flexible member and said pullingforce applying means for engaging a portion of said first named flexiblemember and holding said engaged portion thereof against movement duringextension of said extensible member; and b. means associated with saidmeans for applying a pulling force to said first named flexible memberfor engaging a portion of said first named flexible member and holdingsaid engaged portion thereof against movement during extension of saidextensible member whereby each holding means for said first namedflexible member effects a different magnitude of the pulling force. 10.The apparatus for applying a pulling force as set forth in claim 9wherein: a. said first named flexible member is a chain havinginterconnected links with adjacent links thereof being in normalrelation; and b. said means to hold said flexible member againstretractive movement is a Dog guidably mounted on said standard formovement into and out of engagement with the links of said chain, saiddog is movable down an inclined surface to be engaged by said chain andsaid dog is moved upwardly along said inclined surface in response todownward movement of said chain.
 11. The apparatus for applying apulling force as set forth in claim 10 wherein: a. said standard isformed of a pair of laterally spaced parallel frames longitudinallycentered on said base; b. each of said frames has a side member mountedadjacent each end of said base and extending upwardly therefrom andconverging at an intersection above the longitudinal center of said baseto form a triangular lower portion; c. each of said frames has a postextending upwardly from the intersection of said side members; d. saidmeans for applying a pulling force to said first named flexible memberis a leverage arm having an intermediate portion pivotally mountedbetween said frames, one end of said leverage arm having the other endof said extensible member pivotally connected thereto, the other end ofsaid leverage arm having a guide member rotatably mounted thereon, saidguide member being positioned below said means for guiding said firstnamed flexible member to receive said first named flexible membertherefrom, said leverage arm being between said frames; and e. said oneend of said extensible member is positioned between said frames.